Dr. Pawlik is a marine invertebrate zoologist with research interests in marine chemical ecology and coral reef ecology.  Recent work in his lab has focused on the functions of unusual organic compounds derived from Caribbean coral reef sponges and sea whips, particularly as defenses against predation, fouling, and overgrowth.  He has an ongoing research program in Key Largo, Florida at UNCW’s National Undersea Research Program studying the ecology of the giant barrel sponge, Xestospongia muta.

Publication PDFs can be found online.

Grube, A., Assmann, M., Lichte, E., Sasse, F., Pawlik, J.R. and Köck, M.  2007. Bioactive metabolites from the sponge Aka coralliphagum.  Journal of Natural Products, 70: 504-509.

Pawlik,J.R., McMurray, S.E. and Henkel, T.P.  2007.  Abiotic factors control sponge ecology in Florida mangroves.  Marine Ecology Progress Series, 339: 93-98.

Odate, S. and Pawlik, J.R  2007.  The role of vanadium in the chemical defense of the solitary tunicate, Phallusia nigra. Journal of Chemical Ecology  33: 643-654.

Pawlik, J.R., Steindler, L., Henkel, T.P., Beer, S., and Ilan, M.  2007.  Chemical warfare on coral reefs: sponge metabolites differentially affect coral symbiosis in situ. Limnology and Oceanography  52: 907-911.

Kelly, S.R., Garo, E., Jensen, P.R., Fenical, W. and Pawlik, J.R. 2005.  Effects of sponge secondary metabolites on bacterial surface colonization.  Aquatic Microbial Ecology, 40: 191-203.